Posts in Category: Pet Safety

If you’ve been to a specialty pet store, you’ve probably seen the aisles of adorable pet clothing. There’s so much variety in design, fabric, and color that you may start to wonder: should your pet wear clothes?

This is surely a modern conundrum, as animals have survived the elements long before we domesticated them and became best friends. However, with the right combination of comfort and utility (along with your pet’s acceptance), pet clothing can turn a windy afternoon walk into a full-fledged giddy-up and go. Continue…

Although some of us live in the country with acres of land for a pet to roam, the reality is that most people live in urban or suburban areas. With an estimated 37-47 percent of all U.S. households owning a dog and 30-37 percent having a cat, we can assume that many pets are city pets.

For urban pet owners, dealing with traffic, dog park safety, and municipal laws is a large part of being a responsible owner. Understanding the misconceptions of city pet ownership will also ensure the health and safety of your pet. Continue…

Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, moving is a major undertaking. For your cat, moving may also be frightening or overwhelming. While new sights and smells are appealing, how can you best prepare your cat for such a big transition?

Moving Your Cat: Details, Details!

Moving inspires a sense of chaos that your cat may never have experienced before. Because it’s common for stressed, frightened, or irritated pets to go missing before or during a move, make sure your cat’s microchip is current and his or her ID tags are secure. Update your new contact information and ensure your phone number is easy to read. Continue…

Who do voodoo, that black cat crossing in front of you, do.

Our dark, non-photogenic furry friends get a bad rep, but do they deserve it? Where did it come from, and is there any truth to the myths about them?

Black cats have their own almagate of evil tales of dark art aid and bringing good luck to their owners in both iconic form and breed specific reality. Read on to learn more about black animals and their stereotypes, history, and odd anecdotes surrounding their dark furry coats. Continue…

Living in the Southwest, there are some lurking desert dangers to our pets that you should know about; especially before anyone sets a paw or a foot outside the door. Whether you’re roaming the wilds of rural Texas, or venturing west toward Arizona, New Mexico, or California, you’ll want to bone up on the dangers of the desert. Continue…

Just about everyone has heard about rabies. People generally understand that it’s a “bad” disease, but few people actually understand what it is or what their risk is. Animal owners in need to have a handle on this deadly infection. Rabies in pets is serious business, and it is up to you to know about it. Continue…

How many times of you seen this scenario: it is 90+ degrees and someone is out walking the family dog on asphalt or concrete. Perhaps you have even made that mistake, thinking the breezy warm day wasn’t too hot, ignoring the ground temperature.

Unfortunately, hard surfaces can soar to scalding temperatures during the afternoon, which is why protecting pet paws from becoming burnt is a matter of awareness. Continue…

Almost every pet – and older pets in particular – loves to find a sunny spot for a nap and well-deserved stretch. After spring rains, the urge for a senior pet to get outside for the welcomed warmth and low key exercise is understood, too. However, senior pets are often more at risk for heatstroke and heat-related stress.

Just as you might take a slower or modified approach to your daily exercise choices as you age, helping your older fur friend cope with the stress of the sizzling summer days requires forethought and a bit of adjustment. Continue…

Your pet experiences his or her environment through the nose, eyes, and ears – and fireworks trigger all of these senses to the extreme. Even the most serene and relaxed among the four-legged set can become extremely agitated by fireworks and the chaos of the 4th. So what can we as pet owners do to keep our pets happy and safe during the 4th of July celebrations this year? Read on to learn more… Continue…

Your azalea’s look absolutely splendiferous in your garden beds and your lilies are simply gorgeous this year, but did you know that both flowers are dangerous to your pet? Fortunately for your green thumb, there are loads of pet-safe plants to choose from, and we’d like to spread the news about the risks associated with the most common flora possibly growing in your own backyard.

A Green Oasis

Homeowners typically invest a good amount of time into garden projects and curb appeal. Plants like rhododendron, oleander, and foxglove are extremely pretty and popular, but  super toxic for your pet. The good news? You can still create and maintain a lush garden – and a safe, non-toxic one, as well. Continue…